Monday, December 28, 2015

JACKSON–Gov. Phil Bryant has appointed Judge Dawn Beam to the Mississippi Supreme Court to fill the unexpired term of Justice Randy Pierce who is stepping down effective Jan. 31, 2016. Beam’s appointment will begin Feb. 15, 2016, and will run until the position is filled by election to be held in November 2016.

Judge Beam

“I am pleased to appoint Judge Beam to the Mississippi Supreme Court,” Gov. Bryant said. “Her experience as a Chancery Judge, prosecutor, and a private practice attorney will be valuable in this role. Her work earlier in her career at the Mississippi Department of Human Services dealing with federal compliance and protecting the children of Mississippi will be beneficial to the Court, and I know she will serve the citizens of Mississippi well.”

Since 2010, Beam has been a Mississippi Chancery Judge for the 10th District presiding over cases in Forrest, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, and Marion counties. Prior to becoming Chancery Judge, Beam was the Lamar County prosecutor from 2007 to 2010, and her duties had a heavy emphasis on collaborating with social workers and youth service officers to protect abused and neglected children.

"In this holiday season, we have so much for which to be thankful. It is an honor to be part of the judicial system and to help citizens resolve their differences in a peaceful manner,” Judge Beam said. “I look forward to continuing that work on a larger scale. I am humbled and honored by Gov. Bryant's appointment."

Beam engaged in private practice in Hattiesburg, Miss., for 16 years earlier in her career, and also held the position of Child Support Attorneyfrom 1989 to 1994 with the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) previous to her private practice. Her duties at MDHS included drafting legislation to comply with federal regulations and other administrative functions. She also led a Hinds County Task Force on enforcement techniques to increase child support collections.

Beam holds a bachelor’s of arts degree in business from the University of Mississippi and earned her juris doctor degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law.

She is a member of Sumrall United Methodist Church in Lamar County, Miss., and is married to Dr. Stephen Beam. They have five children. Beam is also the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gene Henderson.

Great story about the U.S. Supreme Court about the C.J. admonishing an attorney who kept calling him "Judge."

Rehnquist sternly said “Counsel is admonished that this court is composed of justices, not judges.” But Stevens took pity and corrected Rehnquist: “It’s OK, Counsel. The Constitution makes the same mistake.”

Does Phil attend the church once pastored by (or currently) her father? What's the connection here? Please don't suggest there is NOT one. These appointments never have and never will be about qualifications. Not suggesting she does not meet minimum requirements for the job. That would be stupid of those vetting her for Phil. Just pointing out reality.

Furthermore, it's wholly inappropriate for Waller to offer his glowing opinion. Of course that opinion statement will be rolled out during her upcoming campaign, to the disadvantage of any opponent.

Think the church is pastored by her brother, not father - but could be corrected by any of the thousands that actually attend. Don't think that is particularly the overriding reason for her appointment, though. Instead - she is a "she", which with the upcoming departure of Lamar could be an issue among some. Also, she is a "chancellor" rather than a "circuit" judge, which many thought needed on the court to replace Pierce (also a former Chancellor).

But more importantly, she is a qualified attorney, judge and evidently has a great reputation. All good qualifications for appointment to the MSSC. Don't know who Politics Reigns thinks should be appointed, other than it being anyone other than who Phil picks. You don't like the system? Then run for office and change it. In the meantime, recognize that even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and then and quit bitching just because you want to find a (possible) negative reason for something Phil does.

1:55; The 'blind hog' in this scenario is the 'she'. I don't give one whit in hell who Feel appoints. Just want to make it clear that political appointments are, well, political appointments. Her daddy (talking about the 'she' here) is Gene Henderson, formerly of Greenville First Baptist and more recently of the Jacktown Metro preacher circuit.

Noticing you did not contradict the statement regarding Waller's misfeasance in celebrating and saluting Feel's appointment.

Didn't contradict the statement about Waller because I didn't think it warranted comment. For the Chief Justice to compliment an appointment to his bench of a sitting Judge is not improper - certainly not misfeasance.

Still don't know why the fact that the Judge has a father is a disqualifing credential. Nor is the fact that the father is a preacher. Nor is the fact that the Judge is a 'she' - which according to your analysis makes her appointment political. Guess you still live in the plantation days of only male landowners should be considered qualified?

10:16; Have you always been an idiot or is the affliction recent? It was indeed improper for the sitting chief justice to offer such a glowing welcome to an interim knowing she would be in an election in just a few months. Surely you understand the value of his statement to her upcoming campaign.

As was said earlier, I don't give one whit that she's a female. The question was raised, but not answered, as to what Feel's real affiliation is here and speculation has it that it's purely of a Baptist bent. Admirable.

Nothing has been said about disqualifications or her being unqualified. In fact it was said early on that she IS qualified. That's beside the point of the comment. The point is it's purely politics and the fact that the appointment is related to religious affiliation is a valid one, even though you don't realize it.

No; The appointment is not political because she is a she or because she has a father or because her father is a preacher. It's political because it's political. All political appointments are made in order to curry favor. You figure the rest out.

Judge (Justice in February) is not an interim, you idiot. She will be a full Justice on the Supreme Court. Yes, she - like three others - will be up for reelection in November. But that does not lesson her position as a sitting Justice upon Justice Pierce's leaving.

Sorry you don't like it, but I will stand behind hy statement, and knight you as the idiot. Obviously, not a recent affliction. There was nothing improper with the Chief Justice's comments about a sitting Judge's performance over the past several years and her activities as a Judge in the administration of the courts

Your remaining comments make little - or no - sense. Yes, she was appointed by a politically elected official. That's in accordance with our current constitution. But just because a political person makes an appointment - one that you obviously don't agree with - doesn't make the reasons for the appointment political. Your final statement is absolutely b/s, Not all political appointments are made in order to curry favor. Many good officials make appointments to get a job done by someone that they are convinced can do a good job. I recognize that you are too ignorant to understand that concept, but not everyone appointed by a political official is appointed because the appointee wants something in return. Besides - what is in it for Phil to gain? He is not going to be on the ballot again ever. Your hypothesis is totally bogus. Pack it up and go home and play with your tinker-toys.

Feel has never made an appointment that was based on qualifications and to suggest differently is laughable. You can bet that she has helped, knows something on Feel, the Mrs. or one of their family members.

Chief Justice Waller did nothing wrong. It is common for the Chief Justice as the leader of the judiciary to issue statements regarding judges who are retiring, resigning or being appointed. I've been involved in a number of judicial races and it is important to know that the Code of Judicial Conduct distinguishes between a judge who is a candidate. The judicial candidate is given more leeway to engage in political activities. Conversely, Judge Beam is not a candidate so the statement by the Chief Justice is not a political statement. Under Mississippi law, she is not a candidate until such time as she files qualifying papers.

Used the families and children of Marion County as a stepping stone for promotion. So long as it wasn’t in her backyard. Plenty of media, but no improvement in a broken system. Just changed bodies and a lot more dislocated children. Too much authority wielded was unwarranted too often. But what was to be expected of one who has long had such a close working relationship with the Department of Human Services. Implied from the bench that the constitutions don't apply to and restrict this exponentially growing and overreaching bureaucracy, which only emboldened the agency to verbalize that sentiment to its victims as it wrongly trampled on the rights of many. Rubber stamp from the bench, yes. Checks and balance from the bench, no. And sadly her promotion in a time when the State Supreme Court is renewing its recognition of and zealously protecting the fundamental right of biological parents against third parties rather than a game of equals as had become the case in her courtroom. I hope her “government knows best” influence does not alter that direction.

Who is the Hottest Reporter in Jackson?

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything). Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up. In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!